- Chemistry and Biochemistry
- About Us
- Faculty and Staff
- Faculty Directory
- Dr. John L. Wood
- Dr. Darrin J. Bellert
- Dr. Kevin Chambliss
- Dr. Julia Chan
- Dr. Aurea Chu
- Dr. Jonathan Clinger
- Dr. Jenée Cyran
- Dr. Maricel D. Demesa
- Dr. Patrick Farmer
- Dr. Elyssia Gallagher
- Dr. Stephen L. Gipson
- Dr. Bruce E. Hodson
- Dr. Devan Jonklaas
- Dr. Roxane Jourdain
- Dr. Robert R. Kane
- Dr. Kevin K. Klausmeyer
- Dr. Rizalia Klausmeyer
- Dr. Mieke Lahousse
- Dr. Carlos E. Manzanares
- Dr. Caleb D. Martin
- Dr. Thomas D. McGrath
- Dr. Leilani Mercado
- Dr. Jung Hyun Min
- Dr. Olatunde P. Olademehin
- Dr. Kevin G. Pinney
- Dr. Michael Plunk
- Dr. Liela Romero
- Dr. Daniel Romo
- Dr. Bryan F. Shaw
- Dr. Kevin L. Shuford
- Dr. Touradj Solouki
- Dr. Michele Stover
- Dr. Joseph Taube
- Dr. Michael Trakselis
- Dr. Mary Lynn Trawick
- Dr. Sascha Usenko
- Dr. Aaron T. Wright
- Dr. Ao Yun Zhang
- Dr. Paul Zinke
- Staff Directory
- Lab Coordinators
- Research Staff
- Emeritus Faculty
- Faculty Directory
- Facilities & Labs
- Research
- Graduate
- Undergraduate
FAQs
APPLICATION PROCESS
When is the deadline for applications?
January 5 is the deadline, but submission of application materials earlier is strongly encouraged.
I missed the deadline. Will my application still be evaluated?
We will continue to evaluate applications until all available positions are filled.
Can the application fee be waived?
At the moment, only Domestic applicants who submit their application prior to December 1st are eligible for application fee waiver.
I don’t have any research experience. Is it still possible to be admitted to the program?
Research experience is weighted heavily during the evaluation process. However, students whose other metrics are extremely strong, despite having limited research experience, are encouraged to apply.
Do I need to contact a Baylor faculty member to sponsor my application?
No, all first year students will do 3 rotations in different labs during their first semester. Once the rotations are finished, you will turned in form with your lab preferences and will be placed in a lab based on your preferences and availability in those labs.
My advisor is very busy. Can my application be evaluated if no letters of support are included?
Your application will be evaluated to the extent possible; however, we are not able to move forward with an offer of admission until all support letters are received.
Can I submit unofficial transcripts for the initial application review?
Yes, but official transcripts are required prior to starting the program.
Is the GRE required to apply for graduate studies in Chemistry and Biochemistry?
Great news! The GRE is not required to apply for graduate studies in Chemistry and Biochemistry.
What documents are required as part of my application?
The application package consists of a CV, transcripts, 3 letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The statement should be brief (approximately 2-5 pages) and describe research interests, experience to date, and any other personal information the applicant believes is relevant for the evaluation process. Identifying potential mentors in the department is helpful. International students should also submit TOEFL or IETLS scores.
Where do I apply for admission into Ph.D. program in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry?
https://grad.baylor.edu/apply/
Where do I submit my test scores?
https://www.baylor.edu/graduate/index.php?id=959109
What is the Baylor University CEEB Code?
6032
How long are my TOEFL or IELTS scores valid?
2 years. https://www.baylor.edu/graduate/index.php?id=969221
How long are my GRE scores valid?
5 years. https://www.baylor.edu/graduate/index.php?id=969221
As an international applicant, can I get an exemption from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement?
Yes, under certain circumstances you can (see this link for details): https://www.baylor.edu/graduate/index.php?id=959283)
What documents are required for international applicants?
See https://www.baylor.edu/graduate/index.php?id=959291
What is the minimum GPA required to enter the graduate program?
3.0
What is the minimum TOEFL score required to enter your program?
Most successful applicants to our graduate program in Chemistry and Biochemistry have a TOEFL above 90. The minimum TOEFL score required by the Graduate School is 80. See https://www.baylor.edu/graduate/index.php?id=959283
Can I submit IETLS scores instead of TOEFL scores?
Yes, https://www.baylor.edu/graduate/index.php?id=959283
When will I hear about the status of my application?
In most cases, we will respond to applicants within six weeks of the application deadline.
I have been put on the Waitlist. When will I get a status update on my application?
As soon as we have sufficient information to respond definitively, we will communicate the outcome to those on the Waitlist.
What documents do I have to submit before beginning graduate studies at Baylor?
Official transcripts can be sent electronically to Grad_Transcripts@baylor.edu.
For more information visit the Graduate School FAQ page.
https://www.baylor.edu/graduate/index.php?id=958647
GENERAL INFORMATION
Where can I find out more information about the Chemistry/Biochemistry graduate program?
https://www.baylor.edu/chemistry/index.php?id=950247
Where can I find more information about the Graduate School at Baylor?
https://www.baylor.edu/graduate/
Do you offer a M.S. degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry?
While we do offer a M.S. degree in Chemistry, all students are recruited directly into our Ph.D. program. Those that do not complete the Ph.D. program can receive a M.S. if the degree requirements are met.
How long does it take to get a Ph.D. in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry?
Our average time to Ph.D. is 5.2 years currently.
Do I have to be a teaching assistant the entire time in the program?
It is mandatory that all students teach a minimum of 2 semesters. After that you may be paid as a Research Assistant if funding is available from research grants or external fellowships.
FINANCIAL
What is the stipend for graduate students in your program?
$26,000
Do I get health insurance benefits as a graduate student?
Yes, health insurance is provided by Baylor at an 80% discount. See https://www.baylor.edu/graduate/index.php?id=959184 for more information.
Do I have to have health insurance as a graduate student?
Yes, all graduate students must have health insurance. Domestic students can opt out of the Baylor plan if they provide proof of coverage from another source. International students are required to maintain insurance coverage through Baylor’s student health insurance plan. See https://www.baylor.edu/graduate/index.php?id=959184
Is my family health insurance covered by the university?
Students are welcome to enroll their families in the University’s health care plan, but at this time Baylor will only cover 80% of the individual student’s health insurance cost.
See https://www.baylor.edu/graduate/index.php?id=959184
What other benefits and programs are available to me as graduate student at Baylor?
https://www.baylor.edu/graduate/index.php?id=958443
https://www.baylor.edu/graduate/index.php?id=958615
How much are student fees and what do they cover?
There are no student fees as they are now rolled into the tuition cost.
Will I be charged tuition to attend graduate school at Baylor?
All our graduate students in good standing receive full tuition remission and a competitive stipend.
For more information on insurance please visit
https://www.baylor.edu/graduate/index.php?id=959184
RECRUITING EVENTS
When is Graduate Recruiting Weekend?
The dates vary year to year, but our primary recruiting weekend occurs mid- to late-February.
See https://www.baylor.edu/chemistry/index.php?id=959255 for dates.
I am busy during your Graduate Recruiting Weekend. Will there be another one?
Yes, we usually have two events separated by approximately a month. Please check the following website for dates: https://www.baylor.edu/chemistry/index.php?id=959255
I live near Waco. Can I just come by to see the Department?
We always welcome visitors to our department. Feel free to reach out to individual faculty members directly, or contact the Graduate Program Coordinator and Director of Graduate Recruitment for help.
ADMITTED STUDENTS
How long do I have to respond to my offer of admission?
We adhere to the Council of Graduate Schools April 15 Resolution allowing students until April 15th to respond to our offer of admission (i.e., April 15 is the deadline). However, if you have decided to attend graduate school elsewhere, please formally decline our offer of admission as soon as possible so those resources can be made available to another applicant.
How much do apartments cost in Waco?
The cost of living in Waco is ~20% less than the national average. There are a number of affordable apartments close to campus. See the following website for more information: https://www.baylor.edu/graduate/index.php?id=959768
Are there any options for graduate student housing on campus?
Yes, there are two Baylor owned apartment complexes
https://www.baylor.edu/graduate/index.php?id=959757
Can I start in the program the summer before classes begin?
This may be possible if funding is available. Contact faculty members directly about summer research opportunities.
When must I be on campus to begin graduate studies?
You will need to be on-campus for graduate orientation the week preceding the first day of classes. This is usually in mid-August.
What should I expect during new graduate student orientation?
You will learn more about our program, take ACS exams, receive TA training, register for courses, become familiar with the library, learn about lab safety, and interact with faculty, graduate students, and staff.
I have been admitted to the graduate program. What do I do now?
The Graduate School has a webpage describing what comes next. See https://www.baylor.edu/graduate/index.php?id=959348 for more information.